TV show's conclusion shows bond with real-life coworkers

Saturday

May 18, 2013 at 12:01 AM

All of us belong to multiple families. They include not only our blood kin but also those in churches, civic groups, sports teams and so many other organizations in which we're involved. But the family we spend the most time with besides our relatives is often made up of our coworkers.

Chad Killebrew

All of us belong to multiple families. They include not only our blood kin but also those in churches, civic groups, sports teams and so many other organizations in which we're involved. But the family we spend the most time with besides our relatives is often made up of our coworkers.Now some people will react with revulsion to that statement. They dread going to work and look forward to quitting time. But I certainly hope that's a small number, and I believe most of us come to appreciate most if not all of our coworkers.I still fondly recall those working in the newsroom at The Dispatch when I started here 24 years ago — in fact, the anniversary of my full-time employment here occurred Thursday. Larry hired me, and Alice, Julie and Myra were the other reporters. Joyce, Neill and Vikki were editors. Glen took the photos. Jim and Bruce worked in sports. I believe a major reason I'm still in Lexington today is how welcome they made me feel.Employees share so much together. Some of it involves the job itself. The work brings successes and excitement over a job well done. Frustrations sometimes crop up that also offer opportunities to commiserate together. You're bound to develop some bonds with those you see eight hours a day, five days a week.But often, the real connections come not from the work but rather everyone's personal lives. Coworkers share information about families, hobbies and interests. They experience both laughs and tears together. Some even become good friends and see each other outside the workplace.I feel blessed to reflect on those with whom I've worked here at The Dispatch. A couple of years ago, I asked our human resources representative to print a list of those who have worked here since I started. I remain friends with many on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and even see them from time to time.What prompted all this reflection on work families? The only scripted television show I watch, "The Office," aired its series finale on NBC on Thursday night. The premise behind the show involved a documentary television crew recording what took place in the office of a paper company, Dunder Mifflin. It aired for nine seasons, and I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode.I don't recall why I started watching "The Office," but it quickly became a regular part of my Thursday nights. I always thought the antics that took place were exaggerated, and I certainly hoped no boss really acted like Michael Scott, played superbly by Steve Carell for seven seasons. But the show at its best delivered a wonderful mix of humor, poignancy, longing and chagrin that drew me back again and again.In the early seasons, the relationship between Jim, played by John Krasinski, and Pam, played by Jenna Fischer, served as my favorite part of the show. Much like other great television couples, audiences wondered whether the good friends would ever become romantically involved. They did.But other relationships were written deftly as well. Even those who often seemed at odds, like Jim and Dwight Schrute, played by Rainn Wilson, felt an affection for each other underneath all the pranks and insults. One of the strengths of the show was the ensemble cast, most of whom remained together for the entire run. Those who never watched "The Office" would recognize many of the actors and actresses from movies in which they've appeared.Some viewers felt the series' quality declined when Carell departed. Not every episode was a home run, but the series never reached the point at which I considered giving it up. Almost each week at least one part of an episode would hit a high note and touch an emotion — you just never knew whether it would involve humor, sadness, tenderness or a mixture of several.Long-running television series can become an important part of our lives. No, it's not real life, but the characters almost do become part of our families. I shed a tear when "The Wonder Years" ended in 1993, and the final voiceover told what happened to the characters. I vividly recall the final episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," too.No tears fell down my face Thursday night as "The Office" came to an end. But I did order a Dwight Schrute bobblehead and a Dundie Award trophy Friday morning from the NBCUniversal Store. Maybe I'll purchase some more DVDs to join those from the first three seasons I already own.More importantly, I'll continue to experience life with my coworkers here at The Dispatch, as we, too, share laughs, offer support during tough times and enjoy each other's company.Chad Killebrew is executive editor of The Dispatch. He can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 215, or at chad.killebrew@the-dispatch.com.

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